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New tattoo is certainly a big moment in the life of anyone who decides to get a tattoo. People tattoo the names or initials of their loved ones, or even ink their portraits on their bodies. If they want to tattoo a quote in foreign langauge, some mistakes can happen. To avoid that, we recommend having a professional translator translate your dreamed tattoo quote.
In which tattoo forms do various cultures cherish their traditions?
In the past, a vast minority of people wanted to get a tattoo. According to research conducted by the Centre for Public Opinion Research in Poland, every tenth guy has a tattoo. In 2017 more than 6% women had a tattoo. Nowadays, tattoos are perceived a little differently than in the past – they are rarely a problem in the work environment and have less impact on employment. The meaning of tattoos is an individul matter and not every tattoo must have a message. Often they are only an aesthetic decoration of our bodies and nothing more. Tattoos, just like clothes, music and celebrities, follow trends and are changing as fast as the fashion changes. For many, having a tattoo is associated with group indentification f.e. tribal tattoos. The meaning of a tattoo is an indiviudal matter and its choice is a subject of personal interpretation of a given phrase, sentence, drawing etc. For exmaple in Hinduism henna tattoo (mehndi) is a popular tradition, that invloves decorating hands and feet on the wedding day. The meaning of tattoos has been changing over the centuries. Previously tribes of the Indian Subcontinent perceived tattoos as a jewellery, that couldn’t be stolen, or as a way for young women to be unattractive for the neighbouring tribes, who might kidnap them. In the northeast head hunters had facial tattoos, which told how many they have killed.
There are many forms of tattooing; it can be our favourite phrase or motto, a tattoo quote, a tattoo with a filling or the outline itself. For many, the location also matters.
For some having a tattoo is a form of expression, for example: through a favorite quote or a piece of song lyrics. On the other hand others follow the crowd and simply want to be “trendy” or “cool.” Certainly, anyone who wants to get a tattoo should not be criticized or judged.
However, not every culture is open to tattoos. Anyone who has visited Japan has likely seen signs banning tattoos in public bathhouses, saunas, gyms and more. As it turns out, much of this island nation’s aversion to tattoos is due to the yakuza – Japanese mafia. Traditional Japanese tattoos are irezumi. In the 17th century, the government enacted a policy that all criminals must be tattooed – an act known as bokkei. There is still a perception in Japan that tattoos look unprofessional. Nowadays they are no longer taboo and more and more Japanese are planning to get a tattoo. As they say, no one should be bothered by a small tattoo.
The Maori of New Zealand have a rich history of tattoos. The practice of tattooing has begun during adolescence. The sacred ritual was done as part of a religious practice. Tattoos made warriors more attractive to women and more fearsome to opponents. It is interesting to note that while tattoos are often seen as rebellious in Western culture, in Maori culture they are taken for granted. An act of rebellion is refusing to get a tattoo.
Buddhist culture is popularly associated with Mandala tattoos. This beautiful, decorative tattoo speaks of eternity and the cyclicity of the universe. The Thai name for such tattoos is Sak Yant. Basically, it involves tattooing sacred, geometric patterns and designs on the skin.
Africa has one of the oldest tattoo histories in the entire world, e.g. an Egyptian mummy found with a tattoo dating back to almost 2000 BC. According to the symbolism, the Egyptian tattoo speaks, among others, of fertility and worship of the gods.
In the United States, tattoos have become common and popular among young people. Previously, they were seen as appropriate for misfits, sailors and motorcyclists. In the U.S., a tattoo does not interfere with anyone’s professional life and a person with one has no problem finding employment.
What English sentences do tattoo studio clients opt for?
English is a very popular option when it comes to choosing a foreign language for a tattoo. Here are some popular sentences that may be appropriate for a tattoo:
“Live and let live”
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”
“Love conquers all”
“Not all who wander are lost”
“Hope”
“Strength”
“Faith”
“Believe”
Remember that before choosing any sentence for a tattoo, it is a good idea to make sure that what you choose has a personal meaning for you and is an expression of your character or personality.
What Latin sentences are not worth tattooing?
While there are many beautiful Latin quotes that may seem as a great tattoo designs, there are also some that can be considered inappropriate:
Veni, Vidi, Vici – meaning “I came, I saw, I conquered”, this phrase was used by the widely known Julius Caesar. However, it can be associated with a sense of arrogance or aggression.
Memento Mori – this phrase can be translated as “remember that you die” and while it can be a reminder to live life to the fullest, it can also be seen as pessimistic.
Et tu, Brute? – this phrase means “and you, Brutus?” and is famously associated with the betrayal of Julius Caesar, which has negative overtone.
Amor Fati – although this phrase can be interpreted as “love of fate” or “accept the destiny” some people may see it as demotivating.
What font to choose for a tattoo quote?
Here are some popular types of fonts that are commonly used for tattoos:
Old English font – also known as blackletter, this font style is often associated with gothic or medieval calligraphy. It has a distinctly ornate, angular appearance and is often used for tattoos with traditional or historical themes.
Script font – script fonts are inspired by handwriting and calligraphy and are often used for tattoos containing italic text. They can range from simple and elegant to more elaborate and decorative styles.
Sans-serif font – has a clean, modish look and are often used for tattoos with a minimalist or modern style. They lack the small decorative dashes found in serif fonts.
Typewriter font – takes inspiration from old-fashioned typewriters; they are often used for tattoos with vintage or nostalgic themes. They are characterized by a retro style.
Tribal font – tribal fonts are often inspired by the art and designs of various indigenous cultures from around the world. They usually have bold, geometric shapes and designs; they are often used for tribal or cultural-themed tattoos.
Here are some tips that can help you choose the right font:
1. Choose a legible font – it is important that the sentence is easy to read. Overly complicated or artistic fonts can make it difficult to read and understand.
2. Consider a simple font – simplicity can work best. Fonts without embellishments or decorations look more elegant.
3. Test different fonts – if in doubt, you can print out the quote in different fonts and see which one seems most appropriate.
4. Consult a tattoo artist – a good tattoo artist usually has a lot of experience in designing and making tattoos with quotes. He or she will help you choose the right font to fit your tattoo style and size.
Remember that the choice of font depends mainly on your preferences and taste. At the end, you should be satisfied with your choice.
What are the popular Polish sentences for tattoos?
Also in Polish you will find some interesting sentences that can inspire you:
“Nie wszyscy, którzy wędrują, są zagubieni” (transl. “Not all who wander are lost”) – a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” that celebrates the life journey and the search for meaning.
“Nic nie dzieje się bez powodu” (transl. “Nothing happens without the reason”) – a reminder that even when things don’t go according to plan, there is hidden meaning in all the events in our lives.
“Bądź silny” (transl. “Be strong”) – simple but powerful message about perseverance and resistance.
“Żyj, śmiej się, kochaj” (transl. “Live. laugh, love”) – a popular motto that encourages us to enjoy life and focus on what really matters.
“I to przeminie” (transl “This too shall pass”) – a quote that accepts the transience of life’s challenges and reminds us that nothing lasts forever.
Remember that the most important thing when choosing a sentence for a tattoo is that it should have a personal meaning for you.
Translating tattoos - does the look matter more than the message of the tattoo?
The word “tattoo” comes from the Tahitian word “tattau,” meaning to strike or tap. More and more people want to get a tattoo, the appearance of which has more value than the hidden meaning. Therefore, customers of tattoo studios increasingly prefer to get a tattoo of a quote translated into another language, because, as they themselves believe, it looks more aesthetically pleasing and original (this is naturally a matter of dispute 🙂 ).
The most popular languages in which customers want to get a tattoo are Chinese, Japanese, Hebraic, Hindi and Arabic. This was popularized in the 1990s, and most people want a tattoo that will never stop being “fashionable.” The names of people close to us fall into this category. Translated into another language and tattooed in the right font, they will look tasteful and timeless. Translating tattoos into a foreign language is also a good solution when we do not want others to know its meaning, such as our partner’s name.
For many people, tattoos look more aesthetically pleasing when translated into an oriental language such as Arabic, Chinese or Japanese.
It seems that Chinese tattoos will always be popular. It is common to see people with Chinese characters on their wrists or backs. These symbols don’t take up much space and look cool. Besides, no one will know what they mean unless they speak the language. Unfortunately, there are many cases where the end result has a completely different meaning than the one intended.
The most common mistakes made when translating a tattoo
We all know – appearance matters. However, the meaning is still important. Not all tattoo studios provide the translation by a professional. Most tattoo artists have no problem with translating simple and uncomplicated words or sentences. Having a tattoo that has been translated incorrectly makes you lose your confidence. Tattoo removal is associated with great discomfort and even pain. Is it more painful than getting a tattoo itself? This is a contentious issue. Many people have made headlines after being victims of poor and inaccurate tattoo translation. Mistakes can often result from a lack of understanding that words and phrases can have different meanings in different cultures. Certainly, poorly translated tattoos are less appealing to us.
Many people decide to get a tattoo of their partner’s name. Unfortunately, not all relationships last forever. That is why tattoo removal is becoming more common. Sometimes we can get bored of the location of the tattoo.
It is better and safer to decide on something that still will be relevant to you in 10 or 20 years. Therefore, many people choose popular sayings or famous quotes. Very often they are made in a foreign language. The most important thing is to make sure that the translation of the tattoo is accurate and you don’t have a recipe for Chinese dish instead of the desired quote on your arm. Sometimes translating the letters of the Chinese alphabet can be difficult and it is easy to change the original meaning. Just one wrong character in a word can make a huge difference. If you’re planning to get a tattoo, ask for help from a professional translator. After all, it’s a once in a lifetime experience.
What consequences can any new tattoo bring?
Tattooing the body involves certain risks – it is safest to have a tattoo that will be done in a professional sterile tattoo studio. Nowadays there is no problem to find a suitable place. Implanting the pigment under the skin with a special needle can carry the risk of serious diseases, including hepatitis and HIV. Near the ribs or spine, the pain during tattooing can be unbearable. Tattooing the eyes is not recommended, as it can cause blindness.
Tattoos in a workplace -do tattoos look unprofessional and should work affect our private lives?
People with tattoos still sometimes face difficulties in finding their dream job. Nowadays, most employers have no problem with tattooed employees and think that a small tattoo should not bother them. In what profession might tattoos not be welcome? In one where, for example, customer contact is required.
It is safest to have a tattoo in invisible places or those that do not quickly catch the eye. Before applying for a particular position, we should first read up on a company’s policies.
Nowadays, a much smaller percentage of people think that tattoos look unprofessional. Previously, not only employers, but also other people viewed tattoos as a problem and a sign of disrespect in the workplace. In the health care or armed forces, employees should choose tattoo locations that are as much unnoticable as possible. The workplace should take a relaxed approach to employees’ choices in their private lives and move away from the perception that tattoos look unprofessional. No one should resent a barely visible tattoo.
What do you think? In what profession are tattoos seen as inappropriate and lower the prestige of the position held? Or is it just a stereotype?
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